Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Azeri guys Elnur and Samir were in London this weekend to record new versions of their entry Day after day. We can expect also a dance version! After that they're off to Kyiv to rehearse the stage act and some heavy promotion trips here and there before Belgrade... Meanwhile they have also had time to show off some latest underwear fashion....

While researching the previous post I came across this one... Don't know why and when it was made and what for? Anyways, an Euroviisut double act! Watch out Justin Timberlakes of this world! :-) Have a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgEJCNvNp50

Jari Sillanpää will release a new album after 4,5 years in May. Simply called Albumi it will feature brand new material. Let's see if it includes the Finnish version of Lane moje he was rumoured to have bought the rights in Istanbul 2004... Meanwhile watch this video of a "perfect Eurovision song" made as a joke some years ago... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvXrEVKDMoY

Jippu talks in Helsingin Sanomat and Rumba about her new album that was released this week. As we know the artists have bigger feelings than us common people. She describes this new album as "a story of growth from a girl to a woman " and how one "grows through pain and mistakes. I have been an egoistic pig. I also thought one must live all emotions. I was so sceptic nothing mattered." Now she says she's over her growing experience and has mature adult feelings. "I'm over self pity and insecurity. They have been with me for so long I can't totally get rid of them. I went through all religions, too." And now, ladies and gentlemen: Jippu is 22-years-old! Anyways, she may sound a bit coccoo at times but she's fabulous nature child. She believes in the eyes of Finns lives some unidentified Slavic melancholy and I must agree on that. "Abroad they always mistake me as Russian". Her new album shows the darker side of this fragile...

After Finland won in 2006 now it's Portugal's turn. Senhora do mar will be their 42nd entry but Portugal has managed the Top-10 only 9 times before and have come last 3 times, twice with flat zero points. Their best placement is 6th in 1996 and worst 24th the year after. Portugal is yet to qualify from the semifinals to the final. Last year Sabrina nearly made it coming 11th. The chances are very good this year. The song is wonderful and should make it easily to the final. I personally would be more than thrilled to go to Lisbon 2009! This year Portugal lays its hopes on Vânia Fernandes, the latest Operação Triunfo winner. She is a 24-year-old big girl with a big voice from Madeira and has a song filled with fado, Mediterranean passion and Slavic melancholy. Vânia has been singing all her life and is finishing her studies that included a training course in Helsinki Conversatory last year. She has a lot of experience singing jazz and fado and has participated and won several f...

Euroviisut artists go on strong in the official Finnish Top-40 when 6 out of the Top-10 are Euroviisut artists' new releases! Kari Tapio 's latest album enters the chart at no 2 and Cristal Snow at no 10. Teräsbetoni drops to no 3 and Movetron to no 5. Also Vuokko Hovatta is on her way down at no 6. Further down Aikakone climbs to no 23 and Mikael Konttinen re-enters at no 36. In the singles Top-10 there are no Euroviisut singles but in the compilations Melodifestivalen 2008 enters at no 4! It is worth mentioning Kari Tapio's CD does not include the Euroviisut song Valaise yö!

Croatia has been one of my favourite almost every year, I even liked their song last year when no one else did. They also have a very good record in the contest but haven't yet won as an independent country. This year's entry may not be a fan favourite but it is fantastic and one can hope the Gotan Project will help them with some votes in May. (How about a Gotan project remix?) Kraljevi Ulice was born in 1987 when Hadzi and Pajo started working together. Today they collaborate with many musicians and singers and organize many annual street festivals and events, the biggest and most important of them being Advent in the heart of Zagreb. The new album Zemlja plese that includes their Eurovision entry is already their 20th. Miran Hadzi Veljkovic (50) started his music career at tender age of 18 and has played in many bands. Besides singing he plays violin and learned the tricks of being street musicians in Paris where he lived for 4 years singing in the metro. Zlatko Petrovic ...

The big voting is over and my big thank you for all of you who voted! Here is the top-24 out of three "semis". Sweden won this battle and Slovenia's Rebeka is the best scoring artist out of those who are actually going there followed by Portugal's Vania at number 9. 01. Sweden Sanna Nielsen - Empty room http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggpFs6Eq05k 02. Romania Biondo - Shine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzaLxQVb7cY 03. Slovenia Rebeka Dremelj - Vrag naj vzame http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHdhUwcXnKY 04. Serbia Beauty Queens - Zavet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28uHN3tDQIk 05. Greece Kostas Martakis - Always and forever http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jPsTGYpE8I 06. Spain La Casa Azul - La Revolución Sexual http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db4S4gZgFFk 07. Cyprus Nicolas Metaxas - I can't be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niFzv31xb68&feature=related 08. Estonia Birgit Õigemeel - 365 days http://www.youtube.com/watch? v= JNdaCG5qVPY 09. Georgia Sa...

Ukraine has one of the best tracks in the Eurovision with one win and one second place since 2003 when they debuted. This year again they won't go unnoticed and will be battling for the victory. They send one of their biggest stars, and maybe the biggest star in the whole contest this year. Ani Lorak is not only a singer but also an actress, she dubs cartoons, writes books for children, owns a restaurant, writes poems, composes music, does a lot of charity and is the UN Goodwill Ambassador for AIDS in Ukraine. No Shady Lady! At 4 she knew she wants to become a singer. At 14 she wins her first competition Pervetsvit and signs a record contract. At 17 she transforms from Karolina to Ani Lorak, the mirror image of her real name. At 19 she is awarded Honoured Artist of Ukraine, as the youngest artist ever. From then to now she was won several contests home and abroad (Moscow, New York), released 10 albums, one autobiografical film, 23 videos. Recently she has done promo tour in Eston...

Cristal Snow's debut is out and it's all very early 80's like Madonna's debut. Scarred still remains my favourite track and there's a longer album version of Can't save me , too. You can listen the songs besides on his MySpace also here: http://musakauppa.aina.fi/album/Cristal_Snow/The_Prophecy/54A585CF-BCA8-471E-93BF-FAF29F62107D/ Watch the vids: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUacdgw-aoY , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LQtcEgjGRo , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TOZqHUcTRY , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w35rJF72-fc

The land of fire takes the spotlight in Belgrade. This yet quite unknown country far away in the Caucasus will surely raise a few eyebrowns and make people think where this came from? The song and its presentation are rather unique and memorable, to say the least... Elnut Huseinov (21) is of Turkmenistan origin and moved to Baku at the age of 12. He has studied both music and hairdressing and styling, all which can be seen and heard in his performance! Samir Javadzane (soon 28) has studied business and international economics. He was the front man of band Sharon before going solo first and dueting with Elnur next.... Azerbaijan is debuting in the Eurovision this year and following the tradition debuting countries will do very well. It's all set for Azerbaijan anyways: a lot of neighbours and most of all a catchy memorable song with a performance one will remember! Elnur has stated that if he should win in Belgrade he will adopt a child Elnur and Samir have made a promovideo fo...

Ok, it's time for the last part of the entries I think should have won. As usual, vote the Eurovision style on my email or in comments here! 30.SWEDEN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggpFs6Eq05k 31.LITHUANIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42-AF0I96qE 32.ALBANIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPC6sW8rVnc 33.CZECH REPUBLIC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAQsi-HVXSE 34.LATVIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsUrj1D72GM 35.CROATIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imITZFyhWuQ 36.BULGARIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye4IEv39qu0 37.DENMARK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyQIRgz0YRQ 38.GEORGIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhyoimRMgNs 39.MALTA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHUNd0NJkM4 40.CYPRUS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niFzv31xb68&feature=related 41.FYROM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kdxNg4cFGE 42.UNITED KINGDOM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHE3vn8UvIA 43.SERBIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZc-mtKP4_w Vote!

Jippu's second album Kuka teki minusta tän naisen (Who made me this woman) will be released April 2. Eleven new tragic stories in true Jippu style than you can listen here: http://www.jippu.fi/musiikki.php . The title nicely follows the unusual titles in the footstep of her debut Salaisuuksia joita yksinäiset huutaa unissaan (Secrets that the lonely cry out in their sleep) ... Worth mentioning is Huono mies (Bad man) for its lyrics.... :-)

Teräsbetoni's third album Myrskyntuoja enters the Top-40 at number one. It's their first as their previous two albums stopped at number two. Their single Missä miehet ratsastaa did stop at number two and is now slipping down.... Here's the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TheV9eBTT3Q

"Carola and Andreas have decided to cancel all their future plans together and go on their separate ways after the Melodifestivalen fiasco" as nicely put by the Swedish media. So much for Lucky stars and One loves that would conquer us all... Back to basics: Andreas will go on with his solo album and Carola will go on with her 25th anniversary stuff... Lets' remember them as they were: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R61Elo9lU6I

Yellow is for Easter and there's plenty of yellow in this video by Berryz Koubou 工房工房 ジンギスカン and their cover of Dschingish Khan . Who would have thought this song's so good even in Japanese? Instant good mood! Enjoy here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7pui9Q6Vbo

Paolo Meneguzzi has released a different video for the South American market for his Sanremo entry Grande... In the Italian one he wanders fully cloathed in forests..... Hmm... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tyYieUHxxU , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWmnOSLUbWg

I just realized it's been already 5 years since Alice has released something, and actually ten years since her latest album with new material! It's about the time I would say.... Her old record label EMI Italy however has not been quiet with her: a quick count gives 7 compilation albums released in the past 5 years (and I think there are a couple I am missing here. If someone has details please let me know!) so she must be still selling, right? ALICE DISCOGRAPHY: 1975 La mia poca grande etá 1978 Cosa resta... un fiore 1979 Mi chiamo Alice* 1980 Caponord 1981 Alice (alternative releases in Japan and in Germany) 1982 Azimut 1983 Falsi allarmi (re-released in the Netherlands in 1984 with I treni di Tozeur) 1984 Alice* 1985 Gioielli rubati (covers of Battiato songs) 1986 Park Hotel 1987 Elisir (new versions of her old songs) 1988 Melodie passagère 1989 Il sole nella pioggia 1992 Mezzogiorno sulle Alpi 1995 Charade 1995 Viaggiatrice solitaria* 1998 Exit 1999 God is my ...

Ok, you have still time to vote for the first part of the poll scrolling down but here come the countries from the first semifinal with the songs I think should have won. Voting as usual to email thehilariosone@hotmail.com or comments box here by Monday! Enjoy! (Remember to vote the first part, too, if not yet done so: http://ilkar.blogspot.com/2008/03/vote-songs-that-got-away.html ) 17. ESTONIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNdaCG5qVPY 18. MOLDOVA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3rDUYnG4ZY 19. BELGIUM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_FkN-zcFDo&feature=related 20. AZERBAIJAN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojMSPIPZ-bI 21. NORWAY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_fm86n9SEA 22. POLAND http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aO-1rwZMRg 23. IRELAND http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7FmI08PT6o 24. FINLAND http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LQtcEgjGRo 25. ROMANIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiHpX1KfYaw 26. RUSSIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPShiuy2-54&feature=related 27. GREECE http://ww...

Well, I was wondering if I should post this or not but here goes: Giorgia made it to the Eurovision after all, in a way. Her Gocce di memoria is one of my all time favourite songs and the Sammarinese Complice reminds quite a lot it. I'm not saying it's copied or even the same song, just that there are similarities in the arrangements and atmosphere. Not that it disturbs me or that it should be disqualified! Just makes me want to listen Giorgia again.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfvL14_L0BQ , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qit-WcyM_q0 ... pling pling pling pling.....

As everyone knows I never liked the Swedish entry last year, the Ark's The worrying kind . I never actually disliked the song itself, just the act for some unknown reason. However, now there's a wonderful version of the song by Maia Hirasawa. She's fab! She's the best thing coming out from Melodifestivalen 2008 no doubt! But why do I expect her to get up, start running around like a madwoman and scream at some point of the song? Judge yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5RjkrOWpUs , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRIyb8Sqol8 , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG64DmsSQH4&feature=related

Have your say on the songs I think should have gone to Belgrade. I will feature two semifinals coming up in the coming days. But, as some countries didn't have a national final but just chose their song/artist internally I can't decide. Also, miraculously I may add, some countries managed actually choose my favourite! So, let's start with these songs. You know the game: voting Eurovision style and votes to this email by Friday March 21 : thehilariosone@hotmail.com 1. MONTENEGRO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm0pHt6q_fE 2. ISRAEL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32j5xMH46vY&feature=related 3. SAN MARINO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qit-WcyM_q0 4. SLOVENIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHdhUwcXnKY 5. ANDORRA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ91rofJXPk 6. BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhEzjT2imeI 7. ARMENIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ189QawLgU 8. NETHERLANDS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJlnclg-JoA 9. ICELAND http://www.youtube.com/watch...

The voting order was drawn, too. UK will start followed by FYROM, Ukraine, Germany, Estonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania, Belgium, San Marino, Latvia, Bulgaria, Serbia at number 12, Israel, Cyprus, Moldova, Iceland, France, Romania, Portugal, Norway, Hungary, Andorra, Poland, Slovenia, Armenia, Czech Republic, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey, Malta, Ireland, Switzerland, Azerbaijan, Greece, Finland at number 35, Croatia, Sweden, Belarus, Lithuania, Russia, Montenegro, Georgia and finally Denmark. Not any specific block here but rather balanced display, except maybe in the very end if in case Russia is battling it out with some, say western country like Sweden, and all the 12s running in for its favour from Belarus, Lithuania and Georgia, but on the other hand Denmark might give its final votes for beforementioned Sweden. It's an open race!

The draw took place this afternoon in Belgrade hosted by Zeljko and Jelena who need to work their chemistry a lot if they want to top Jaana & Mikko come May. The draw seems good for Finland and Portugal, and bad for Israel and Sweden. In the first one Azerbaijan, Greece and Russia were able to pick up their place, while in the second one FYROM, Portugal and Denmark had the same honour. In the final Serbia was the lucky one. Semifinal 1 on May 20: 1. MONTENEGRO 2. ISRAEL 3. ESTONIA 4. MOLDOVA 5. SAN MARINO 6. BELGIUM 7. AZERBAIJAN 8. SLOVENIA 9. NORWAY 10. POLAND 11. IRELAND 12. ANDORRA 13. BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA 14. ARMENIA 15. THE NETHERLANDS 16. FINLAND 17. ROMANIA 18. RUSSIA 19. GREECE Semifinal 2 on May 22: 1. ICELAND 2. SWEDEN 3. TURKEY 4. UKRAINE 5. LITHUANIA 6. ALBANIA 7. SWITZERLAND 8. CZECH REPUBLIC 9. BELARUS 10. LATVIA 11. CROATIA 12. BULGARIA 13. DENMARK 14. GEORGIA 15. HUNGARY 16. MALTA 17. CYPRUS 18. FYROM 19. PORTUGAL Final May 24: 2. UK 4. GERMANY 19. FRANCE 22. ...